Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu (2nd from right) shakes hands with MRT Line 3 General Manager Roman Buenafe (2nd from left) following the signing of a memorandum of understanding to provide mobile internet and wifi to commuting public along EDSA. Joining them are Joel Agustin (right), Globe Senior Vice President for Project Governance and Joel Erestain, MRT Line 3 Head Executive.
Agreement with MRT Line 3 expected to improve mobile internet experience of riding commuters and customers along EDSA
Globe Telecom secured the support of the DOTC to use train stations around the metropolis to host network infrastructure that would significantly improve the mobile internet experience and connectivity of the commuting public.
The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Metro Railway Transit (MRT), an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communication allowing Globe to deploy wireless internet infrastructure in all MRT Line 3 stations along EDSA.
“In line with the two organization’s commitment to continuously improve the lives of its customers and the Filipino people in general; this partnership is a milestone that is expected to improve the experience of the public riding the MRT, including those in the communities surrounding the MRT stations. With the support of government agencies such as the operators of the MRT Line 3, we hope to change the experience of our customers in high foot traffic areas and strategic locations such as public transport systems,” said Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group, noting that many of the company’s customers seek internet connectivity not only in their offices or at homes but even while they are in transit.
“By providing a reliable mobile and Wi-Fi internet connectivity, our customers will be able to catch up on emails, keep updated on online entertainment and other communication requirements to further enhance their digital lifestyle even while on their way to work or after work,” he said.
Agustin said the project will also help address existing challenges on mobile signals along EDSA especially during rush hours. The additional capacity brought by the macro sites and small cells deployment will help decongest peripheral areas around the train stations, providing improved mobile experience to customers. In addition to expanding network capacities in major areas where there is commuter traffic, Globe will also provide free Wi-Fi services in all MRT Line 3 stations. This is expected to benefit about 350,000 who will have free Wi-Fi access for 30 minutes daily.
Globe has set aside for 2016 a capital expenditure of $750 million, bulk of which will be used to boost data capacity and expand network reach. In line with its vision of ushering in a digital nation, the network build will also increase the capacity of its network for both mobile and wirelines using different technologies including 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi. In addition, Globe also launched early this year an initiative of creating an internet superhighway by deploying fiber optic cables in 20,000 barangays all over the country to provide faster and more reliable Internet access in about 2 million homes nationwide. The infrastructure build is expected to take 5 years and will extend network coverage to more areas that currently have no connection or spotty service.
